He's got the size (6'9" 277) and the character (Bronze Star Medal for Valor). However, he's four years removed from playing and is being tried at a new position (DL) as well. I like the signing on general principle, but his situation may be like Bamiro's last year: has the size, but needs seasoning and reps.

JaxEagle

May 6 2014, 12:36 PM

Agree he is a longshot but it is a good story. Hopefully he doesn't get reps with us and then go kick butt for somebody else in a year or two.

TGryn

May 6 2014, 08:27 PM

Lets remember that Jason Peters started off as a TE in college, and Lane Johnson was a QB in high school, so Villanueva's move from WR to DL isn't that far-fetched. On the other hand, crazy as it is, he's actually undersized at 277 lbs for being 6'9", and probably needs to get to around 300 lbs at least; Bamiro is 6'8", but also weighs 340 lbs, as one comparison. Also, being that tall presents the potential for some unique skills in terms of batting down balls and blocking kicks, but only if he learns how to use it. Momah's 6'7", but last year he was way too raw to know how to convert that mismatch to his favor (as Harold Carmichael did throughout his career). If you have the size but not the technique, all you are is a bigger target to get pushed around.

Wish him well.

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